CAMPAIGNERS trying to keep woodland used for BMX and mountain bike trails for more than 20 years from being bulldozed have said they are open to all options for saving the site.

Users of the space next to the St Catherine’s Park and Ride at Bar End say Winchester City Council are planning to clear the spot to make way for a 14-bay coach parking area.

The petition to save Bar End Trails – on land owned by Hampshire County Council – attracted more than 1,000 signatures in the first 24 hours and this week reached more than 22,000 names.

It says that the council move is to help pull more tourists into the city.

In an email seen by the Chronicle, Cllr Jan Warwick, portfolio holder for environment and traffic, said a meeting could be arranged to look at land options and whether any other sites were possible.

“I have a vision of this area becoming a sports hub for all sports and there could of course be some future synergy with the BMX offer,” she said.

Rory O’Sullivan, 37, of St Cross Road, has been using the trails since 1997. He said: “We do very much want dialogue with the council and we are more than willing to listen to all suggestions and take action as needed to secure the future of the site.

“We are of course open to all options of legitimising the trails if need be, to secure its use for future generations, including my own three boys who are just starting to ride.

“We have youngsters from all backgrounds at the woods - from Highcliffe, Winnall, Stanmore to Winchester College, all enjoying letting off steam in a non-structured environment, with no membership required, no fees or other barriers to entry as is so common in other sports.”

The campaigners’ petition states: “We believe access to local woodland for both cycling and witnessing nature first hand is more important than inflating Winchester’s visitor numbers.

“While we support Winchester City Council’s aim to keep coaches out of the town centre, we strongly urge them to make better use of the neglected Southern Park and Ride site, particularly Area 6, as opposed to pulling down mature woodland.”

A city council spokesman said talks would continue between the city, county and BMX cyclists, aimed at finding a solution.

which meets the cyclists’ requirements, adding that no final decisions had been taken.